By Edward Oseghe
The Edo State Government, through the Primary Healthcare Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), in collaboration with the International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC), Africa Saving Lives Konsult (ASLK), and other partners including NPHCDA, WHO, and UNICEF, organized a two-day orientation workshop for Local Government Area IVAC Technical Assistants in Benin City.
The workshop, which aims to strengthen preparations for the 2026 Measles-Rubella campaign, targets key LGAs such as Ovia South West, Owan East, Esan West, Orhionmwon, and Egor.
In his opening remarks, NPHCDA Zonal Technical Officer, Mr. Jerry Osawe, stressed the importance of collaboration in achieving state immunization targets. Sessions focused on micro-plan development, daily implementation strategies, advocacy, communication, monitoring, and data reporting.
Dr. Rachel Osagie, the State Technical Assistant, led participants through a hands-on session on micro-plan data verification. IVAC TAs were also briefed on pre-implementation responsibilities, including ward-level plan validation, stakeholder advocacy, reactivation of community health committees, and updates to school health contact directories.
Participants concluded the workshop with a post-training evaluation to assess preparedness for their field assignments.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Government joined the global community to commemorate World Breastfeeding Week 2025, observed annually from August 1 to 7. This year’s event, themed “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems,” was held at the New Era Primary Healthcare Centre, New Benin.
Representing the Executive Secretary of EDSPHCDA, Dr. Coulson Oahimire Osoikhia, the Director of Community and Family Health Services, Dr. Idemudia Osayomore, emphasized that exclusive breastfeeding provides essential nutrients and immune protection to infants, significantly reducing reliance on formula.
Oredo LGA Medical Officer, Dr. Ehimwenma Usiosefe, urged families to support mothers in adopting exclusive breastfeeding practices. Mr. James Uwaifo, Chairman of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (Edo Chapter), advised mothers to feed their babies every two to three hours, discouraging long intervals between feedings.
State Nutrition Officer, Mrs. Amenze Phil-Imade, echoed calls for family support, urging caregivers to refrain from giving water to infants, noting that breast milk is nutritionally complete.
Community Health Officer, Mrs. Osaigbovo Florence, delivered an interactive session on proper breastfeeding techniques, addressing questions from participating mothers.
The event drew attendees from EDSPHCDA, UNICEF, the Oredo Council, and breastfeeding mothers from the community.
